News

Actions

Military to search Lakewood yards for munitions

Posted at 11:54 PM, Feb 12, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-13 01:54:40-05

The Army National Guard and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment are asking some Lakewood homeowners for permission to check their yards for military munitions left over from a Pre-World War II artillery range.

CDPHE said it has sent letters to 126 homeowners in the Mesa View Estates and Green Mountain Estates neighborhood.

"Oh my God, I haven't heard about that," said Anna Skiadas, standing by her home next door to the park. "We haven't gotten the letter, yet. Hopefully, soon."

The Army National Guard, state health department and the Environmental Protection Agency have been investigating munitions at William F. Hayden park on Green Mountain for several years, but they have recently decided to expand the investigation to adjacent neighborhoods.

"For safety regulations, the homeowners and neighbors will have to leave the area during the search," said Warren Smith, a CDPHE spokesman. "And military specialists will use metal detectors to look for munition debris."

Two public open houses about unexploded ordinance associate with the Former Camp George West Artillery Range will be held Wednesday, Feb. 17 from noon to 2 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Red Rocks Community College Community Room, 13300 W. 6th Ave in Lakewood.
 
While it is unlikely any of the munitions would explode, if found, residents should not touch them and should call 911 immediately.

---------

Sign up for Denver7 email alerts to stay informed about breaking news and daily headlines.

Or, keep up-to-date by following Denver7 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.